10 notable off-season baseball trades

Detroit and Texas shook up a rather quiet major league off-season on Nov. 20 with a one-for-one trade that saw power-hitting first baseman Prince Fielder dealt to the Rangers for second baseman Ian Kinsler. That's one of the 10 notable deals we profile ahead of Opening Day.

Trumbo, Fister, Freese among many players switching leagues

Detroit Tigers general manager Dave Dombrowski and Texas counterpart Jon Daniels shook up a rather quiet major league off-season on Nov. 20 with a one-for-one trade that saw power-hitting first baseman Prince Fielder dealt to the Rangers for second baseman Ian Kinsler.

Two days later, the St. Louis Cardinals sent third baseman David Freese to the Los Angeles Angels for speedy outfielder Peter Bourjos.

But it’s Dec. 3 that might be remembered as one of the greatest off-season days in major league history.

No fewer than six free-agent signings and as many trades, highlighted by the Oakland Athletics’ pickup of closer Jim Johnson from Baltimore, were made. The Toronto Blue Jays were involved too, sending relief pitcher Brad Lincoln to Philadelphia for pitcher Rob Rasmussen and catcher Erik Kratz.

However, the only other acquisitions worth mentioning by Blue Jays general manager Alex Anthopoulos in the off-season was the signing of free-agent catcher Dioner Navarro and the claiming of outfielder Matt Tuiasosopo.

Anthopoulos lost out on free-agent pitcher Ervin Santana and reportedly had trades for one-time A’s starter Brett Anderson and Kinsler fall through.

Above, we profile 10 notable trades in baseball’s off-season, including the Fielder-Kinsler swap.

Comment below on the various deals about what general manager may have been fleeced, what player(s) will thrive in a new environment and who might have sacrificed too much of the future for short-term gain.

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